H.G.T.
Tristan d'Acunha (Vol. ii., p. 358.).—The latest and best description of this isle is to be found in A Narrative of a Nine Months' Residence in New Zealand, together with a Journal of a Residence in Tristan d'Acunha. By A. Earle. Longmans, 1832.
GOMER.
Swearing by Swans (Vol. ii., pp. 392. 451.).—Though I can give no reason why the birds of Juno should have been invoked as witnesses to an oath, the Query about them has suggested to me what may perhaps appear rather an irrelevant little note.
Cooper, in his Raven's Nest, makes Mr. Aristobulus Brag use the provincialism "I swanny;" "by which," observes the author, "I suppose he meant—I swear!" Of course, this has nothing to do with swearing by swans, more than sounding like it; argument of sound being very different from sound argument. Mr. Cooper does not seem to have given a thought to the analysis of the phrase, which is no oath, merely an innocent asseveration. "I's-a-warrant-ye" (perhaps when resolved to its ungrammatical elements, "I is a warranty to ye") proceeds through "I's-a-warnd-ye," "I's-warn-ye" (all English provincialisms,) to its remote transatlantic ultimatum of debasement in "I swanny."
G.J. CAYLEY.
Mildew in Books (Vol. ii., p. 103).—In reply to B., who inquires for a prevention for mildew in books, I send the following receipt, which I have copied from a book containing many others:—"Take a feather dipt in spirits of wine, and lightly wash over the backs and covers. To prevent mould, put a little into writing ink."
Another to take mildew out of linen.—"Mix powdered starch and soft soap with half the quantity of bay salt; mix it with vinegar, and lay it on both sides with a painter's brush. Then let it lie in the open air till the spots are out."
J.R.
"Swinging Tureen," (Vol. i., pp. 246. 307. 406.).—